Tyler Perry Makes Surprise Visit To Middle School, Leaves Donation

Actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry made surprise visit to Finland Middle School and left a $100,000 donation after speaking to students on Friday.

South-Western City schools had to eliminate sports and other extra-curricular activities following failed levies in 2009. The school district was able to bring those activities back, but students had to pay to participate in them.

Perry said he saw an HBO documentary on Finland Middle School teacher Mary Mulvany, who started a foundation to help children pay those fees, and was moved by the story.

Perry also said Mulvany, who is retiring this year after 30 years of teaching, inspired him to make the surprise visit.

"Just seeing the story and her passion for these kids, and how much she loved them and cared about them and wanted the best for them,” Perry said. “I said I want to do whatever I can to help.”

Mulvany said she was “totally overwhelmed” by the check that Perry left for the school.

The School District said Perry wants some of the money to go to the foundation that Mulvany started and for some of it to go to Finland Middle School.

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